Wear shorts and a t-shirt. If wearing tights these should be footless. Baggy trousers are not suitable, nor leggings that cover the ankles or obstruct the feet. Yoga is practised in bare feet and socks cannot be worn. Please do not use strong smelling perfumes as some people find these offensive. Changing rooms are available at the Centre.

Iyengar yoga is an approach to hatha yoga developed by BKS Iyengar, author of Light on Yoga, Light on Pranayama and many other texts. In Iyengar yoga the emphasis is on the performance of the classical yoga asanas (postures) with attention to detail and alignment. The approach is disciplined and progressive and students are given individual attention and correction.

There are two options. Sign up for a foundation course - a six week course for complete beginners, or join one of our ongoing beginners classes. It is not necessary to do the foundation course before coming to beginners classes but many people prefer to do this. Foundation courses must be booked and paid for in advance. Beginners classes - we do not take bookings - just come along.

Yoga increases flexibility, stamina and improves posture. Most people find increased levels of energy and an enhanced feeling of well-being. Regular practice of yoga increases awareness and brings emotional stability and inner peace.

There is no need to bring any equipment. Everything is provided at the centre.

Come at least once per week. Many students attend 2 or 3 times per week. Progress is dependent on regular attendance.

If you are pregnant for more than 13 weeks you should attend our pregnancy class only. Other classes are not suitable. Do not start yoga during the first 13 weeks of your pregnancy.

Many people take up yoga because of common back problems and find that yoga helps. We need to know about any more serious back injuries before you come to class.

This class is for students with more serious injuries or problems which prevent them from participating in our normal classes. Entry is by application only and requires an individual assessment prior to acceptance.

The centre is located on Denmark Place just off the Gloucester Road (between 211 and 213) in Bishopston, Bristol. From the centre of town the following buses pass Denmark Place: 71, 72, 73, 75, 76, 77, 98, 99. From the central bus station take buses 308, 309, or 310. Get off the bus at Bristol North Swimming Baths on Gloucester Road. Denmark Place is opposite the Texaco garage. Walk to the end of Denmark Place and you arrive at Yogawest.

There is no parking for cars at Yogawest or anywhere on Denmark Place. If coming by car, park in the free car park next to the swimming baths or on adjacent streets or on Gloucester Rd itself and walk up Denmark Place. During weekdays there are parking restrictions on Gloucester Rd until 6.30pm. Bicycles and motorbikes can be left in front of the Centre. Bike racks are available.

The following is a list of hotels and B&Bs in various price ranges which have been used by people attending events at Yogawest:

Basca House, 19 Broadway Road, 0117 942 2182 (two nights minimum)
The Elms, 53 Gloucester Rd North, 0117 969 6129
Arches Hotel, 132 Cotham Brow, 0117 924 7398
Downs Edge, Saville Rd, 0117 968 3264
Downlands House, 33 Henleaze Gdns, 0117 962 1639
Youth Hostel, Quayside, 0117 922 1659
Aztec Hotel and Spa, 01454 201090
City Inn, Temple Way, 0117 925 1001
Travel Inn Metro, Haymarket, 0870 238 3307
Premier Lodge, Gloucester Rd North, 0870 990 6456
Travelodge, Anchor Rd, 0870 085 0950